Growers Worried About Possible FDA Regulations

YAKIMA, Wash.-- The FDA is proposing food
safety regulations that have growers in our area worried about what it could
mean for their businesses.

The federal agency is considering rules
that include requiring growers to test their water supply constantly and
sanitize equipment.

But the Northwest Horticultural Council
feels those rules are too broad.

They also say it
isn't necessary for tree fruit growers.

"Leafy greens in general: tomatoes,
cantaloupe last summer if you recall, have some serious issues. We have not.
And so we think it should be a risk based system," said Northwest
Horticultural Council President Christian Schlect.

The FDA says farms that earn less than a
half a million in sales on average over the last three years would be exempt
from some rules.

They also say they're working on a risk-based system for fruit and are
taking public comment on it until May.